Psychart24 art exhibit now open in Szeged

News

May 9

The Psychart24 exhibition, showcasing a selection of artworks created during the 14th annual 24-hour painting marathon, has opened at the Black House exhibition space of the Móra Ferenc Museum in Szeged. Psychart24 events are aimed at fostering mental health awareness and inclusion.

Actor Roland Rédei of the Szeged National Theatre initiated the event with a recital of poems by Máté Kovács, which transitioned into an energetic drumming session involving the Psychiatric Clinic's occupational therapy team – an unconventional yet fitting commencement to the exhibition.

Art historian Anna Váraljai officially opened the exhibition, emphasizing the unique nature of the artworks. “It would be inappropriate to judge these pieces as if they were part of a conventional, juried exhibition,” Váraljai said.

Dr. János Kálmán, director of the Psychiatric Clinic, noted that 66 paintings are on display, each representing a distinct perspective on the world. “These are 66 different stories, 66 different worldviews,” Kálmán said. “Viewers can decide what the experience means to them – whether it’s about dreaming or waking up.”

The exhibition features selected works from the 2024 Psychart24 painting marathon, which took place in seven Hungarian cities: Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs, Békéscsaba, Kalocsa, and Kecskemét. In Szeged, more than 200 participants created over 300 artworks during the 24-hour event. An expert jury selected ten standout pieces from Szeged for inclusion in the traveling exhibition.

Following the exhibition, the artworks will be displayed in the communal areas of the Psychiatric Clinic, continuing a tradition that brings joy and pride to both artists and staff. The initiative encourages public engagement, with visitors now coming to the clinic specifically to view the artworks.

Lajos Simon, chairman of the Moravcsik Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of the painting marathon. He stated that the event aims to reduce stigma and discrimination against individuals living with mental illness, while providing a meaningful cultural experience for all participants.

The Psychart24 exhibition at the Black House is open to the public until June 29, 2025.